Fried Shrimp Tacos

If you are looking for the perfect fried shrimp tacos with slaw these are it! Fried shrimp tacos are loaded with crispy golden fried shrimp and topped with a creamy mango slaw.

Shrimp tacos have always been one of my favorites. And judging by my search traffic, shrimp tacos have a lot of fans. In fact, the most popular recipe on my blog, by far, is my recipe for Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sour Cream. And it’s good. Really good. And, I know you shouldn’t mess with a good thing, but I thought it was time to create a crispy version of shrimp tacos so I decided to make these Fried Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw.

They’ve got the whole crispy, crunchy, sweet, spicy and creamy thing going on. And you are going to LOVE them.

Fried Shrimp Taco Ingredients:

You’ll break this recipe into two separate parts: The Fried Shrimp and the Mango Slaw.

First up the shrimp: 

• SHRIMP: For this you’ll want to use either medium or large shrimp. Shrimp is sold in amount per pound. For medium shrimp there will be 51 – 60 per pound for large shrimp there will be 31 – 40 per pound. 
• CHILI POWDER: Will add a bit of smoky heat but not too much. 
• CUMIN: Adds a warm citrusy flavor. 
• GRANULATED GARLIC: You can also substitute garlic powder if that is what you have on hand. If you only have garlic salt, use that but omit the additional salt. 
• SALT

After marinating the shrimp, you’ll need to coat it. To do that you’ll need the basics: 

• ALL PURPOSE FLOUR: This will give the egg/milk wash something to stick to.
• EGG/MILK: This will give a layer for the panko to stick to. 
• PANKO BREAD CRUMBS: I love using panko bread crumbs when I am frying. It gives everything a light crunchy crisp exterior. 

Next up is the mango slaw. For that you will need:

• MAYONNAISE: This will be the base of the dressing and what will give the slaw it’s creaminess. 
• VINEGAR: Adds acidity and tang to the dressing. 
• LIME JUICE: Also adds a touch of acidity and brightness. 
• CHILI POWDER: Adds smoky heat. 
• MANGO: The star of the show in the slaw. It adds a sweet melon flavor. 
• COLESLAW MIX: A blend of cabbage and carrots that you can buy at the grocery store. You can cut up your own cabbage and carrots if you like. 
• JALAPEÑO: Adds heat to the slaw. 
• RED ONION: Sliced thin so it won’t overpower the dish. 
• CILANTRO: Optional but it adds a bright color and flavor. 

You’ll also need oil for frying the shrimp as well as corn tortillas. 

Step by Step Photos and Instructions: 

To make Fried Shrimp Tacos you’re going to make the slaw first. This will give all of the flavors a chance to mingle while you’re making the shrimp. 

STEP #1: To make the slaw, in a small bowl whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing. 

STEP #2: In a large bowl, combine the cole slaw mix, jalapeno, red onion and cilantro. Pour the dressing over the top and mix well. Refrigerate until you’re ready to use. 

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STEP #3: Combine the shrimp, chili powder, cumin, granulated garlic and salt. Toss so the shrimp is coated completely. 

STEP #4: Next you’re going to bread the shrimp. Set up an assembly line to do this. First dredge the shrimp in flour. 

STEP #5: Dip the dredged shrimp into the egg wash. Make sure to dip both sides. 

STEP #6: Dredge the shrimp in the panko breadcrumbs. You may need to slightly press the crumbs into the shrimp to make sure they are well coated. 

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STEP #7: Heat oil to 350 degrees and fry shrimp, in batches if necessary, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with salt. 

STEP #8: Heat the tortillas according to package directions and then assemble the tacos. Use 4 – 5 shrimp per taco and top with slaw. 

Storage and Leftovers: 

You can make the slaw ahead of time, even up to a day in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator until ready to use. And then store any leftovers in the fridge and eat within a couple days. 

For the shrimp, they are best eaten right when they are made. As reheating can cause them to become tough. 

Looking for something to serve alongside? Try these:

Homemade Tortilla Chips are easier to make than you think!

Easy Pico de Gallo is a must when snacking on chips!

If you like things a little spicier, you’ve GOT to try my Habanero Salsa.

If you loved these Fried Shrimp Tacos, you’ve got to try some of my other taco recipes:

Crispy Fish Tacos with Spicy Slaw is perfect for fried cod lovers!

Save this Prime Rib Taco Recipe for when you’ve got leftover prime rib!

Note: This post was originally published in 2016. It was updated in 2023 with new photos, nutrition information and step by step photos.